National Champs!
A total of five lifters from the team emerged as National Champions in their respective weight classes, each breaking or setting new records along the way. Coach Sean Seligman, who has led the team, praised the athletes for their hard work and dedication.
“These girls have only been lifting since January, and to see them achieve this level of success in such a short amount of time is nothing short of remarkable,” Seligman said. “It’s a testament to their drive, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
The Pioneers' season was powered by their record-breaking performances. In total, the team set 80 new state records and 35 national records, showcasing their dominance in the sport.
The following is a breakdown of each lifter's individual achievements:
• Sophomore Saylor Arnold set 16 state records and three national records, winning seven National titles and claiming the 97-pound National Champion title.
• Freshman Aja Smith set 16 state records and two national records, winning two National titles and becoming the 123-pound National Champion.
• Junior Emma Cox set 16 state records and two national records, winning two National titles and earning the 148-pound National Champion title.
• Junior Neela McGowan set 16 state records and 16 national records, winning six National titles and securing the 220-pound National Champion title.
• Sophomore Kacie Wood set 16 state records and 12 national records, winning seven National titles and finishing as the 242-pound National Champion.
Seligman noted that the team’s triumphs are part of a larger pattern of historic success for the Pioneers this season. In addition to their National Championship win, the team claimed the North Regional 4A Championship and finished as overall Runner-up. At the state level, they were crowned 4A State Champions and earned the overall State Runner-up title.
The team’s victory at the National Championships capped off a season of extraordinary accomplishments, with each lifter leaving an indelible mark on the powerlifting world.